The second part of the blog title is a little editorial on my part, but according to the UK based Harpers, worldwide beer sales has now fallen below 50 million hectoliters annually (or roughly 15,000,000,000 glasses of beer). This amounts to its lowest level since 1975
Also of note, is consumption of beer PER COUNTRY according to Wikipedia. The US is way down the list at #14 with about 80 liters per person per year. The Czech Republic & (shockingly) Ireland are one & two respectively at 156 & 131 liters.
I’m not certain how accurate these numbers are, but according to NationMaster.com, the US is #18 on the list of wine consuming countries per capita with a measly 7 liters per year. I had heard that the most recent numbers had the US in at around 30 liters per year (about half of the approximately 60 liters consumed in France & Italy).
Finally, Winebiz.com.au has some interesting stats here about wine. Of note is that while they do not list the US in their top 20 wine consuming nations PER CAPITA, in terms of total consumption per COUNTRY the US ranks 3rd, behind only France & Italy.
What does all this mean? Truthfully, I have no idea. But it sure seems to indicate that the popularity of wine is increasing at the expense of beer.
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Wine Tasting!
WTG
I think the current generation is more accepting of wine as they have been more exposed to it; seeing their parents drink it. As they become of age they already know so much more about it than we did at 21. This new class of drinkers is also more willing to try fun and new labels and are more accepting of new varietals. Over all it’s good for business. I hope.
thanks for leaving a comment on my ayza entry. figured I should at least hollar back. although I’m no expert on wines (dry sherries from boqueria are my fav though), I hope to contribute to the beer drinking crowd (let’s be clear and say microbreweries on tap beer, since bottled stuff really don’t count) in NYC in order to put US on a higher consumption level (lofty goal? hey why not).
I don’t think I would be ready to do that. But seeing your blog post here makes me feel just like I could.